The Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador has ordered that a Musgrave Harbour town councillor be reinstated after finding that the town unjustly declared his seat vacant.

Grant Abbott, who was not vaccinated, was not allowed to attend council meetings in person, and instead attended council meetings virtually—even though he was not allowed to speak.

The town had adopted a policy a year ago requiring all councillors to be vaccinated or present a medical exemption. They declared his seat vacant, and Abbott appealed.

Justice Glen Noel says the town of Musgrave Harbour was wrong to remove Abbott from council for not attending meetings in person, and ordered that he be reinstated to council.